Country Guide: Tunisia

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

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Updated: May 22, 2017

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Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Detailed inventory of all appliances (not valued)
  • Original residence permit (duly approved by the Ministry of Interior)
  • Original work permit (duly approved by the Ministry of Employment)
  • Original ID card, if applicable (for returning citizens, both spouses for married status)
  • Letter of accreditation (diplomats)
  • Packing list in French (diplomats)
  • Diplomatic franchise / exemption (diplomats)
  • Authorizations issued by the Ministry of Tourism, allowing the customer to have a secondary residence (secondary residences)
  • Proof of purchase by the appropriate government office (secondary residences)
  • Sales Contract of secondary residence (secondary residences)

 

Specific Information

  • The owner of the goods must have the work permit, residence card, and proof of ownership, or pay estimated taxes of 40% to 60% of total value of goods.
  • An advance copy of the original bill of lading must be sent to the destination agent with name matching the passport exactly.
  • For non - citizens employed in Tunisia, all items previously imported must be exported upon departure.
  • All shipments are subject to an inspection at the point of entry (POE), except diplomatic shipments.
  • The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance, except diplomats.
  • For non - citizens entering Tunisia via employment contract, the original work permit is required for Customs clearance; if not available, additional port storage and container demurrage charges will be charged.
  • If the owner of the goods is unable to provide a residence permit at clearance, a temporary importation of his personal effects may be applied for 12 months by means of establishing a bank deposit.
    • The deposit will be cancelled within the allowed period of time upon presentation of required residence permit / work permit (non - citizens on employment contracts with duty-free entry).
  • The owner of the goods should be present in Tunisia at least 2-3 weeks prior to the shipment’s arrival to be accredited by the Tunisian Government and present the diplomatic franchise / exemption, which must be approved by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Customs Administration.  
    • It takes approximately 1 month to be duly approved by both agencies (diplomats).
  • The packing list should be faxed to the destination agent in advance of importation with a copy of the original bill of lading in order to avoid delays (diplomats).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Owner of the goods’ passport
  • Original bill of lading
  • Original registration / insurance certificates (in owner of the goods’ name)

 

Specific Information

  • The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
  • Vehicles are subject to inspection; report must show the engine number and type of vehicle.
  • The vehicle details must be stamped on the owner of the goods’ passport.
  • Customer may temporarily drive the vehicle for a period of 3 months during clearance.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate

 

Specific Information

  • The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and state that the animal has been free from disease for at least 6 weeks prior to import.
  • The vaccination record must be dated 30 days to 6 months prior to arrival and include immunization against rabies.
  • Quarantine is not required for healthy animals.
  • Animals subject to examination upon arrival.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Plants: a phytosanitary certificate is required
  • Appliances, electronics and computers: 1 of each item is allowed; make, model, and serial number must be included on the detailed inventory
  • New items (dutiable)
  • The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (400 g)
    • Alcohol (5 bottles)
  • Perfume (reasonable quantity)
  • Films, videotapes, publications, books, satellite receivers, faxes, walkie-talkies, and telephones are subject to automatic confiscation for returning citizens and temporary hold by Customs for non - citizens with employment contracts with duty-free entry; these items are allowed entry only with authorization from the appropriate authorities.

Prohibited Items

  • Illegal drugs
  • Pornographic, obscene and subversive materials
  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 


Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook

Wikipedia Entry for Tunisia





IAM Note: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.